“Swimming in Strange Waters” The Wooden Sky
Fifth full-length album for the Canadian indie rockers. Music is a mix of alt-rock and folk-rock, with psychedelic elements and a hint of Americana at times. Lots of big guitars, organ, synth, and distortion. Lead vocalist Gavin Gardiner has a distinctive singing style with a notable Southern drawl and a rawness that works well with the band’s almost live, stadium sound. RIYL: My Morning Jacket, Phosphorescent, The War on Drugs.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 3, 5, 4, 8. No FCCs, I think. Label says there are on #5 and #6 — but lyric sheet shows the words to be “hell” and “Christ,” which aren’t FCC violations.

1. (4:57) Swimming in Strange Waters – Shimmering and atmospheric, with growling and ringing guitars, organ, synth, and driving drums. Reminiscent of The War on Drugs, but more edgy. ****
2. (4:56) Life Is Pain, Pain Is Beauty – Deliberate tempo. Sustained, distorted guitars and organ. Raw vocals.
3. (4:34) You’re Not Alone – Opens with a beat and bass line that’s almost a dead ringer for Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” Evolves into an easy-going stroll with a warm folk-rock feeling and also some noise layered in. ***
4. (4:12) Deadhorse Creek – Starts as a traditional Americana tune, with Gardiner’s vocals straining to their limits. Builds into a rocking stomper. ***
5. (3:50) Born to Die – Talking at beginning. Acoustic, gentle and melodic. Introspective lyrics. Nice harmonized vocals in the choruses. ***
6. (4:19) Black Gold — Searing, sprawling tune with swirling psychedelic trappings. Thumping beat.
7. (4:12) Riding the Wind – Uplifting and epic. This track most closely resembles The War on Drugs.
8. (3:29) Matter of Time – Almost a swingy alt-country feeling at the start. Builds to bigger, edgier rock. **
9. (3:53) Glory Hallelujah – Full strings and piano. Reverent feeling.